Arch support



Oct. 17, 1933. M. SADLER 1,931,415

ARCH SUPPORT Filed June 25, 1932- Max Sadler Patented Oct. 17, 1933' U D .srAr-Es Anon SUPPORT Max Sadler, ProvidencaR. 1., assignor to Capitol Heel Lining Company, Providence, R. I.

Application'June 23, 1932. Serial No. 618,973

1 Claim.

This invention relates to supports for the feet and particularly it relates to arch supports provided with a protective sheathing.

A great variety of arch supports have been 5 placed on the market. In general they are comprised of a metal plate which is shaped so as to support the foot in its normal position. In most instances this metal plate only supports the arch of the foot and does not extend to the heel and toes. Moreover, the metal plate is usually covered by a leather piece so as to prevent direct contact with the foot.

Most of these devices now on the market are subject to several disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is that the sharp edge of metal plate cuts the side of the shoe and thereby causes damage to the same. Another disadvantage is that the metal plate, even though provided with a leather covering, is most uncomfortable when worn for any length of time. I am aware of several attempts to remedy these situations, but

in all such instances either the comfort qualities were not increased materially, or, if they were increased, the supporting qualities of the support were rendered ineffectual.

One of the objects of my invention is the provision of an arch support which will not cause injury to the shoe or to the wearer.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an arch support having a protective sheathing.

The invention has for afurther object the'provision of an arch support which furnishes excellent support and at the same time is very comfortable to wear.

3 A still further object is the provision of an arch support whichmay be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

Further objects will become apparent from a reading of the following description and draw- .ing.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the bottom of my novel arch support.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the bottom of a modification on my support.

Fig. 3 is a cross-section view on the line III-III of Fig. 2, and, V

Fig. 4 is a cross-section view on the line IV-IV of Fig. 2.

As shown in the figures. my improved arch support is comprised of a stiifenedplate 2 of thin but rigid metal which has been pressed or stamped an arc-shaped strengthening ridge 4 which aids 1 materially in maintaining the plate in its original pressed form.

The plate 2 is adapted to be worn between the insole of a shoe and the foot of the wearer, It does not, however, contact directly with the foot of the wearer since itis provided with a flexible covering 6, which maybe of leather or other suitable material. The flexible covering 6 is larger I than the plate 2 and is comprised of a heel portion 8, a shank portion 10, and a forward portion 12. It is secured to the plate 2 by means of eyelets 14 or by any other suitable means.

In the past considerable trouble, annoyance, and expense has been causedin similar arch sup- 7 ports for the reason that the edges .of the plate, and particularly the marginal edge 16, would cut into the side of the shoe and damage it. In my novel construction this disadvantage is obviated by providing a protective sheathing 18 which 7 completely'covers the under side of the marginal edge 16. As illustrated in Fig. 1, this protective sheathing 18 may be secured to the under side of "the'plate 2 by the same eyelets lwhich are used to secure the flexible covering 6 to the plate.

The protective sheathing 18, in addition, is also preferably held in place by stitching 20 which secures it to the flexible covering 8.. This arrangement has been found most satisfactory since it renders it impossible forthe protective 5 sheathing 18 to, work or slide out of place so as to permit the edge 16 to become exposed Therefore, it is impossible in this arrangement for the marginal edge 16 to damage the shoe in any way. It hasalso been noted that many of the arch supports now available on the'market, while they may satisfactorily support the arch, are very uncomfortable especially ifworn for any length of' time.

(not shown), for example, one'constructed of felt, sponge rubber or. the like, may be placed in depressed portion 22 simply by raising the edge 24' of thefiexible covering 8 to permit the pad to be inserted. This arrangementhas been found. to provide a maximum amount ofcomfort to the wearer and at the same time it does not detrimentally affect the supporting properties of the arch support.

The complete structure may be simply manufactured and assembled. The arrangement is rugged and will out-last several pairs of shoes. Nor will it damage the shoe in any way. At the same time it very efiiciently performs'its function asa support and affords real comfort at all times. c

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

An arch support comprising a substantially rigid thin metal plate formed to support the v longitudinal arch of a foot in itsnormal position,

said plate being provided on its inner side with an outwardly curving arc-shaped depressed strengthening ridge merging into a depressed 

